Two won’t be seeking re-election

Interested in running for office? This may be the year to do it, according to the chairmen of the Summit County Republican and Democratic parties, who say they have already spoken with scores of residents who are eyeing seats on the Summit County Council or in the state Legislature.

The filing window for residents to register to be on the November ballot is open from March 9 until March 15 at 5 p.m.

This year, three Summit County Council seats, three School Board seats in each district and the Summit County justice court judge position are up for election. Statewide, elections will be held for governor, lieutenant governor, state and federal Congressional seats, state treasurer, auditor and attorney general.

Senate Seat 19, held by Allen Christensen (R-Ogden), House Seat 52, held by Mel Brown (R-Coalville), House Seat 54, held by Kraig Powell (R-Heber) and Senate Seat 28, held by Brian King (D-Salt Lake City) will all be up for election as well.

Council member Claudia McMullen said she will run again for her council seat but John Hanrahan and Sally Elliott have formally announced that they will not run for re-election, leaving two open County Council seats, an opportunity that does not happen often, according to Henry Glasheen, chairman of the Summit County Republicans.

"I met with three people just last week who are interested in running for County Council and have probably talked to a dozen people total who want to run for the council with the Republican party," Glasheen said. "Some people are not even Republicans and they want to join the party and run for office. I think we are seeing such large amount of interest this year partially because there are two open council seats and partially because people are generally discontent with the way the County Council has been running things and their inability to balance the budget."

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Glenn Wright, chairman of the Summit County Democrats said he has also spoken with four people who are interested in running for council seats. Neither Wright nor Glasheen were willing to release the names of residents who have expressed interest in running.

"Personally, I would like to have even more interest and possible candidates," Wright said. "The more the merrier and if we have a lot of participation then we will have even better candidates in the end."

Wright is also on the Utah Democratic Recruiting Committee and said there are some Summit County residents he expects to run for state office, including current Council member Chris Robinson who previously announced his intention to seek House Seat 54.

"I do not think we will recruit a Democrat to run for the position besides him. He is a very strong candidate that we think he has a good chance of being elected," Wright said.

If Robinson is elected, he would vacate his Council seat in December and the Summit County Democratic Party would submit a nomination to take his place.

Wright also said that he thinks a Summit County resident may be running as a Democrat for the U.S. Congress in District 1 against incumbent Rob Bishop.

So far, the only position a Democrat from Summit County has not expressed interest in is running against Brown for House Seat 52, according to Wright.

Glasheen said he expects a Republican to run against Brown for his House seat but so far, has not heard from many candidates who are interested in challenging the other Republican incumbents.

"I would welcome 20 more candidates to come forward because we want to have the strongest candidate possible for each position," Glasheen said.